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The Extraordinary Life of Lev Lominago Lev Lominago was born on July 17, 1944 in Swerdlovsk, Russia. In 1946, his family moved to Leningrad where he later entered school and displayed artistic talent at an early age, and in 1952 he began art studies at The Art Studio of the Leningrad Pioneer Palace. In 1955, he was selected for entrance into the Art Academy for Specially Gifted Youth. In 1959, he continued his studies at the prestigious Leningrad Art Institute until his graduation in 1963. Lominago's paintings were consistently entered in international exhibits throughout his student years, and often received top awards and honors. Despite receiving much criticism for his religious expressions, he began serious study of the complicated technique of ancient iconography. In 1965, under Archmandrite Alipi, Abbot of the Pskov Perchersky Monastery in Russia Lev began to secretly study the art of icon painting, using the technique of egg tempera and pigment. This technique inspired him to say that he was "reborn...never to paint in the modern oil-style again." Due to the persecution for his spiritual paintings Lev, his wife Nathalia and their daughter Alina sought emigration to the United States. Assisted by the International Rescue Committee, the family arrived in New York in 1974. Lev's reputation preceded him and immediately after his arrival he was contacted by the Reverend of Denver Colorado's All Saints of Russia Orthodox Church to paint an iconostasis for the church. It took two years to finish the 38 icons. (see below)
Through 1989, Lev's career flourished as an artist of Russian folklore and iconography even though he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and had been painting from a wheelchair since 1980. He inspired many during this time, prompting much media attention and more commissioned paintings than his weakening body could create.
In 1990, Lev Lominago's career abruptly came to an end, when his debilitating disease left him quadriplegic. His final painting, commissioned by Malcolm Forbes, was a portrait of Mr. Forbes and actress Elizabeth Taylor surrounded by some of his favorite treasures of art. It was completed in early 1990. You can see this and other treasures by Lominago in the museum section of this website.
Lev Lominago passed away on October 28, 1999. He was 55 years old. Until the very end, his spirits remained high and his faith strong. Throughout it all, he never lost his hope that one day there would be a cure and soon the lives of those suffering could be greatly eased. For the first time ever, graphics are available commemorating his work. Please e-mail us for more information. Pictures courtesy of the Lominago family
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